We’re different. Everyone in the world is unique and yet we ridicule others for things they can’t control.  Physical or mental capabilities shut down by insecure others.  Something must change, something has to be done.  Best Buddies.  An organization allowing kids with special needs who have a hard time fitting in, to have many friends that spend time and show sympathy towards them.  Finally these kids aren't kept in the dark and have an outlet that allows them to fit in and feel safe.  Safe of judgment and discrimination.  With Best Buddies, were one step closer to stopping bullying and giving all kids a life where they can be themselves.

The moment that truly demonstrated the importance and significance of Best Buddies was Freshmen year’s Homecoming dance.  School dances throughout the year have always been fun traditions that give students the chance to dance and get to know each other better.  In middle school the dances were scarce, so when we had one, nearly everyone went.  During the dances, everyone was lively, energetic and dancing with someone.  But it wasn’t until about halfway through through 8th grade when I realized the secluded kids.  There were three kids that were in the back of the gym away from everyone.  Two of them had mental disabilities.  I remembered how they looked frightened, almost as if they were abandoned.  No one stepped in or made an effort to bring them into the dancing crowd, not even me. So, towards the end of the year, my friends and I wanted to give these kids, who felt like they couldn’t fit in, the chance to have fun. 

When It came to high school, the only dance we got was the homecoming dance.  So when it came around, everyone went.  As I was shaking my tail feather with my friends, I couldn't help but wonder how the kids with disabilities were doing.  I got one of my friends to walk around the gymnasium with me to find out if these kids were secluded.  But to my surprise,  I saw about 10 physically and mentally disabled kids having the time of their lives, dancing with other kids who weren't disabled.  Seeing all the kids with disabilities in a place where they could be themselves was priceless.  After the dance I soon figured out that the kids dancing with them were part of a Best Buddies organization at Arrowhead. Right away, I knew I wanted to be apart of the club, but it was too late to join that year.  So when the following year finally arrived, I signed up and have been apart of it ever since. 

I now have a Buddy named Griffin, who suffers from cerebral palsy.  He is physically disabled and has to reside in a wheelchair throughout school and doesn’t feel like he can always fit in.  Which is why every opportunity I get to see him, I make the most of it.  He reminds me everyday how kids with disabilities are just like us, they just need people in their lives to keep them feeling positive and as happy as can be.  Best Buddies helps and allows me to this everyday and because of this club, no one has to feel left out or ridiculed for being themselves.